NCJ Number
132860
Date Published
1991
Length
243 pages
Annotation
A program in which serious repeat offenders were placed in Israeli kibbutzim for resocialization and rehabilitation was successful for most participants and suggests the appropriateness of basing correctional programs on the concepts of group dynamics and social learning theory and the use of democratic peer groups focusing on rewarding work activities.
Abstract
The kibbutz resocialization program began operation in 1982 with the signing of a contract between a steering committee and the government of Israel. Participants were unmarried males between ages 18 and 30 with no convictions for rape, pimping, drug dealing, or murder. The kibbutz programs entailed daily involvement in both meaningful tasks and peer group support that resulted in self-discipline, commitment, and work satisfaction. Social control was both direct and indirect. Followup research on 26 participants showed that most had learned responsibility, developed friendships, and avoided further criminality. Results suggested the desirability of rehabilitative programs that are characterized by immediacy, personal interactions, shared activities, autonomous decisionmaking, egalitarian relationships, and commitment to community enterprises. Case examples, appended program contracts and interview guide, notes, index, and 165 references